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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When does Vic know that Dr. Franklin began not liking Melinda?

2. What does Vic make for the Wilsons when they visit?

3. What does Melinda tell Vic Mr. Cameron has explained to her?

4. What does Vic know Melinda will do the night he tells her he knows Carpenter is a detective?

5. How does Melinda describe June Wilson?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Vic decide to do for Trixie in Part IV that Melinda objects to?

2. Who does Vic realize is paying for the private investigator?

3. What are both Vic and Melinda happy to hear about Trixie?

4. What does Tony propose for dinner that makes Vic very angry?

5. What does Meller tell Vic that Melinda said at his party in Vic's absence?

6. What does Melinda tell Vic that she will do late in Part IV that shocks him?

7. What does Horace tell Vic about Melinda's persistent claims that he is a murderer?

8. What does Melinda do in Part III in order to hurt Vic?

9. What does June Wilson tell Vic about her husband?

10. What does Horace tell Vic he suspects about Carpenter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In general, how does Vic react to his wife Melinda's infidelities, and how does Highsmith communicate the unorthodox nature of their relationship to the reader? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Why is the disdain and arrogance Highsmith highlights in Vic's character so central to his actions, especially towards the book's conclusion? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

Why do Don Wilson and his wife move out of town, and what does Highsmith use this episode to reveal about the social strata in town? Write an essay explaining your answers,

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 530 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample